River cleanups continue

A smaller-than-expected group of 14 volunteers took part in the fourth river cleanup of the season.

Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Conservation District, Monday’s cleanup took place on a mile-and-a-half stretch of the Portage River in Park Township. The effort started at Parkville Road and concluded at North Fisher Lake Road.

For the first time in the agency’s eight-season campaign, the cleanup took place on a weekday. Volunteers managed during their 90-minute paddle to collect about 75 pounds of debris. The assortment included a tire, milk crate, refrigerator panel, five-gallon bucket and an impressive collection of bottles and cans.

Event coordinator Shaun Grace said Monday’s route was originally set to conclude at Carpenter Road but was modified because of trees down in a stretch between North Fisher Lake and Heimbach roads.

The next cleanup is July 21 on the Rocky River, from Null Road to downtown Three Rivers.